LA Auto Show: 2014 Kia Sorento

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Take one brief look at the 2014 Kia Sorento, shown for the first time at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, and you might just ask what’s so new about it.

It’s true the Sorento doesn’t look radically different than the 2013 model. In fact, it looks much the same from the side, and only modestly facelifted at the front and rear, with new LED taillamps and bright-chrome or black-mesh grilles making the strongest attempt at a fresh look from the outside. Inside, the instrument panel has been more significantly redesigned, with revamped infotainment and a new reconfigurable TFT gauge cluster.

What’s inside, and what’s under the hood, could make the most difference on the 2014 Sorento. With the introduction of a 290-hp direct-injection, all-aluminum V-6, the Sorento should deliver the strong performance that we’ve appreciated in V-6 Sorentos, but with better fuel economy. And with a more rigid body structure, new electric power steering, suspension tweaks, we’re hoping that the new Sorento will ride and drive better—as well as post improvements on its already-good safety ratings.

In addition to the bigger eight-inch touch-screen infotainment systems and next-generation UVO eServices features, the Sorento gets a number of new features, including available ventilated/cooled front seats, second-row sunshades, and an AC power inverter.